Coxswain) is a 1964 Indian Tamil-language social problem film directed by T. Prakash Rao and produced by G. N. Velumani.

The film stars M. G. Ramachandran and B. Saroja Devi, with M. N. Nambiar, S. V. Ramadas, Nagesh, Manorama and Jayanthi in supporting roles.

Manickam is the leader of a fishing community named Thirukaai Meenavargal (Turbot fisherman).

In the same area lives Alaiyappan, the leader of the opposing fishing community Sura Meenavargal (Shark fishermen).

The person responsible for fuelling this enmity is the village zamindar Neelamagam, who stands to gain the most from it all.

Padagotti was directed by T. Prakash Rao, and produced by G. N. Velumani under the banner of Saravana Films.

[1] The screenplay was written by Sakthi T. K. Krishnasamy, based on an original story by Nannu, and cinematography was handled by P. L. Roy,[4] while C. P. Jambulingam was chosen as editor.

[9] Tamil Canadian journalist D. B. S. Jeyaraj wrote that Ramachandran portrayed different roles in his films "so that different segments of the population could relate to and identify with him", citing his role of a coxswain in Padagotti, an agriculturist in Vivasayi (1967), and a rickshaw puller in Rickshawkaran (1971) as examples.

Despite facing competition from other Diwali releases such as Navarathri and Muradan Muthu,[20] it became commercially successful, running for over 100 days in theatres.

[1] The Indian Express wrote on 14 November 1964, "A bright piece of acting by Ramadas and P. L. Rai's excellent outdoor photography which bares the bountiful beauty of the backwaters of Kerala are the only two redeeming features of the film.

"[21] Writing for Kalki, N. Ramakrishna gave the film a mixed review, calling the photography one of its few redeeming features.